The rooms we think we don’t belong in...

You ever find yourself in a moment where everything around you feels just a little… bigger than you?

That was me, twice, these past two weeks.

Last week, I walked into a conference I’d never attended before. I didn’t know many people. The energy was electric, but my nerves were louder. Honestly, it felt like showing up to a brand new school—where everyone else seemed to already know where to go, who to sit with, and how to fit in.

This week, I was at a conference I’ve attended for years. It’s a space that usually feels like home. But this time, something different happened. I was invited to a private meeting… with the Governor.

And guess what?

That same little voice from last week whispered again:
​“Are you sure you’re supposed to be here?”

That’s the thing about imposter syndrome. It doesn’t always show up when you’re unsure. Sometimes, it shows up right when you’re stepping into something you’ve worked really hard for. It creeps in when you're growing—when you're leveling up into spaces that stretch you, challenge you, and ask more of you.

Here’s what I know to be true:
You don’t have to feel 100% ready to belong.
You don’t need permission to take your seat.

Just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
Sometimes that discomfort is actually proof:
You’re in the right room.

So if you’re walking into something new—
A new role, a new opportunity, a new chapter...
And your knees are shaking a little?

Keep going.
The rooms you think you don’t belong in might be the exact ones you were born for.

I’m cheering for you always,
Barb 💛

P.S. If this landed with you today, hit reply and tell me what room you're walking into—or want to. I’d love to hear. 💕